There were yellow roses above her, growing up the wall of the castle, unkempt enough for the occasional stalk to be leaning away from the stone, making a little unsteady arch. They hadn't been there, before. “State your name, jade,” the knight spat. His armor gleamed in the bright sunlight, although over his chest he wore a pure white tunic that hung long over the horse and had a bright red cross embroidered at the center. He held up his sword and his horse snorted anxiously, waiting.

Ava was mostly surprised to hear him speaking English, with an accent not too dissimilar from Abe’s (although much thicker). He was certainly a long way from home.

“I said speak, whore!” he yelled, and the horse reared impatiently.

"A-Ava!” she stuttered. She was suddenly and uncomfortably aware of how vulnerable she was. “I’m sorry, I’m lost!” she cried. She doubted he would believe her, but couldn’t think of anything better to say.

The knight laughed a nasty, arrogant laugh. “Your lie gives you away, woman! You’re in league with the priest. Murderer!” He pointed the sword directly at her chest. “Do you deny it?”

"Yes! Of course! I’m no--no murderer!” She couldn't help the small hesitation, as the faces of the men on that plane flashed before her eyes. The men from the timehole.

That didn't count, she thought. They were already dead.

She stood up taller, trying to fake her confidence. “I swear it. I don’t know anyone here, least of all any priest.”

The knight lifted up his visor to get a better look at her, his brow furrowed and his eyes suspicious. “You don’t know any priest?” he snarled. “Then you’re worse than a murderer. You’re a pagan.”

"That’s not what I meant!”

"Did your witchcraft help the priest murder that innocent child?” he asked, his face growing redder by the minute. “I ought to behead you right here. But go!” He gestured to the entrance with his sword. “I’ll take you inside. You can join that disgusting priest for his trial.”